Ted Nugent Claims ‘Political Correctness’ Is Keeping Him Out of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Unlike a number of classic rock artists, Ted Nugent says he'd happily accept induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — but he says he knows it'll never happen, thanks to the "self-inflicted and embarrassing scourge" of "political correctness" that permeates the institution from the top down.

Discussing the issue with Q103FM in Albany (during an interview that you can listen to above), Nugent pinpointed his affiliation with the NRA as the main factor keeping him out — specifically because Rolling Stone co-founder and publisher Jann Wenner, described by the guitarist as the "boss hog" at the Rock Hall, "hates" the gun-rights advocacy group.

"I couldn't be more proud of that, 'cause the NRA is the ultimate family, grassroots organization that fights for the right to defend ourselves. What kind of numb nut would be against that?" queried Nugent. "And so I'm on the board of directors of the NRA, Jan Wenner hates the Second Amendment, so that's the only reason I'm not in the Rock and Roll of Fame. And until they get their heads out of their ass, I'm more than happy to do what I do and do it with all the vim and vigor that I do it every night."

That being said, Nugent responded with an enthusiastic "hell yes" when asked whether he'd accept induction, and added that he's watched "a lot" of the induction ceremonies and found them "so moving." Were he to eventually make the cut, Nugent said he'd lead the crowd in a prayer for their rock 'n' roll forebears — a moment he sees as reflecting the Hall's true purpose of paying tribute to the genre's true greats.

"The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is paying tribute and homage to geniuses who gave us the ultimate soundtrack for our American Dream," said Nugent. "I'm all in, man, I'm genuinely moved, and I'm glad there is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."

Until then, however, he added that he's happy to remain a member of the "We the People Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," a club he's entered by virtue of more than five decades and six thousand shows piled up over a long career. "Hey, write this down," he quipped. "My name is Ted Nugent. I am the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Eat me!"

Nugent is currently on the road for his Rockin' America Again tour. You can get complete tour dates and ticket information at his official site.